News :: Smyrna, TN Soldier's Funeral May Turn Into Circus

Reports have it that Pastor Fred Phelps, a Baptist minister from Kansas (tip of the hat to Bigorangemichael), will be in the town of Smyrna, TN on Saturday to protest the war in Iraq at none other than the funeral of a local citizen and soldier who lost his life three weeks ago with two other Tennesseans. Pastor Phelps' message include slogans like "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and believes that men and women are dying because of God's wrath and vengeance for America's "acceptance of homosexuality."

Regardless of your position, it seems to me that most people would agree that this kind of lunacy is completely inappropriate and can only diminish the credibility of this Pastor and his followers.

To further complicate the matter, Bigorangemichael reports:

Local conservative talk show host, Steve Gill caught wind of this and this morning took to the airwaves calling on the Southern Baptist convention to condemn Phelps' actions and to rally a group to go out and protest Phelps' protesters. From what I caught of Gill's rhetoric, he'd like to have 1,000 listeners out Saturday to show support.

So, all eyes on Smyrna, TN this weekend. Perhaps the people of Smyrna, TN can give the families peace during their time of grief. I, for one, will not be looking for a story at this event.

Tags: Smyrna,TN; Life in Smyrna, TN; Smyrna, TN Local Politics; About the town of Smyrna, TN